This is the history of the Butler Farm Show as compiled by LeeRoy Miller, a former president of the Butler Farm Show. It appears in this year’s premium book.

In 1947, a plowing contest was held on the Jack Roe property in Meridian.

This was the birth of an idea to get the city folk, businessmen and farmers together to better understand one another. Some farm organizations sponsored the educational program.

The idea was so well received that it was decided to form an organization to keep the event alive. The organization became the Butler Farm Show Inc., in 1948.

A constitution and by-laws were written with the aid of the Butler County Extension Service, interested in the county youth through the 4-H clubs and the Vocational Agricultural Division of the Future Farmers Association. Several lawyers were interested enough to donate their services.

The bylaws were designed in such a way to insure that no one person or group could ever gain complete control or benefit financially from the farm show.

All income is returned for payment of debts or improvements. All directors are unpaid and volunteer their services in many capacities.

The board is a diverse group coming from agriculture, agribusiness, retail business, banking, finance and industry. They work hard all year to plan and implement the farm show exhibits and entertainment.

As acreage became available, several tracts were purchased, and at present over 100 acres are owned by the Butler Farm Show.

About 12 years after the founding of the farm show, the grass airstrip on the grounds was replaced with a 2,200-foot black-topped airstrip, which was named in honor of W.L. Roe, who contributed a great deal to the show. The Meridian Fire Company food stand was built the same year.

The farm show has steadily grown through the years. In 1956 the land was cleared for a 3½ acre lake; this was in the long range plans to make the farm show grounds a year-round recreational area.

The Agricultural Building was constructed the same year, adding 12,000 square feet of indoor space for exhibits.

In 1958, three permanent barns were added, providing 15,000 square feet to be used year round.

In 1977-78, the horse and sheep barns were completed, and in 1984 the beef barn.

Other improvements over the years have been beautification of the main entrance, arena, pilots’ lounge, restrooms adjacent to the arena, water system, paved roads. In 1989 and 1991, new exhibit halls were built for more commercial displays.

An additional 5 acres of wooded land at the southern end of the airstrip was purchased in 1993 with the help of a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Bureau of Aviation. The interior of the horse barn was remodeled, and roof repairs on the sheep and horse barns were made along with the repairs on roads and walkways.

In 1994, the CB Rangers Building was purchased for a permanent office.

In 1995-97, the present grandstand was built in sections as funds permitted; also a new milking parlor was constructed in 1995 at the dairy complex.

Today, as in 1947, the goals remain the same: to bring the city, farm, and business people together for a better understanding of our special needs in an entertaining and productive way.